Some argue the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was designed to target The Pirate Bay (if you want to read the Wikipedia page, click stop on your browser before the blackout page loads). The truth is, new behavior develops when you suppress behavior, a simple fact that science has demonstrated time and time again. This means that if The Pirate Bay is targeted and shut down, they will find ways around the law; new technology will develop in response. One website argued legislation like this is free advertisement, does not result in a decrease in infringement, and sites are usually back up and running within a short period of time.

What are the consequences if SOPA or PIPA pass? No one really knows what will happen but it probably won’t be good. Everyone should let their senators and reps know if they don’t like SOPA and PIPA. Wikipedia has made it easy to contact your legislators. Just go to their page (link) and enter your zip code for their contact info. For those in Utah, just follow this link; you can call, email, or Tweet. Tie up their phone lines; letting your representatives and senators know you disagree with SOPA and PIPA will be an important step in preventing some pretty crazy legislation from becoming law.